After more than three decades in fire investigation and forensic services, Bryan Fischer is stepping into retirement with a career defined by experience, dedication, and a commitment to getting the details right when they matter most.
Bryan’s path into fire investigation began with the Ontario Provincial Police, where he spent the final seven years of his time working in forensic services. His work included crime scenes, evidence collection, documentation, and fire-related investigations. As he began considering opportunities beyond public service, a conversation with a friend and colleague introduced him to the potential of continuing his career in the insurance industry.
In 2003, Bryan joined the Office of the Fire Marshal, completing its training program and becoming a certified fire investigator. He spent five years investigating fires across Ontario before being promoted to Fire Investigation Supervisor, a role he held until his retirement from the public service in 2019.
The position brought considerable responsibility, including responding to fatalities, serious injuries, explosions, and significant fires. Among the investigations that stand out most in Bryan’s career were a major natural gas explosion in Toronto and a large high school fire that ultimately destroyed the building. Bryan served as supervisor on both investigations and received citations from the Fire Marshal for his work.
Following his retirement from the Fire Marshal’s Office, Bryan joined Pario and continued his work in forensic fire investigation. For him, the opportunity offered the chance to keep doing work he enjoyed while also providing a greater balance after many years of demanding on-call responsibilities. He quickly became a valued member of the Pario team, bringing extensive practical experience and a willingness to collaborate with engineers and fellow investigators.
Throughout his career, Bryan learned that successful fire investigation requires curiosity, thoroughness, and a willingness to keep learning. His advice to those entering the profession today is simple: stay informed and take advantage of training opportunities, particularly as the industry continues to evolve with new challenges and technologies.
He also stresses the importance of preserving evidence. At a fire scene, investigators may only have one opportunity to document what they see. Bryan’s background in forensic investigation taught him the value of thorough photography and documentation, capturing the overall scene as well as medium and detailed views so the investigation can still be understood years later.
Perhaps his most practical lesson is to stay on top of report writing. After moving from the Fire Marshal’s Office, where investigators handled roughly 40 fires a year, Bryan found himself working on significantly higher volumes in the private sector. His solution was straightforward: complete reports as quickly as possible, while the details were still fresh.
As Bryan begins retirement, he looks forward to a quieter pace and more time for the things he enjoys, including golfing.
Everyone at Pario wishes Bryan all the very best in this next chapter and thanks him for the knowledge, experience, professionalism, and friendship he brought to the team. His contributions have made a lasting impact, and he will be greatly missed.